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MICHAEL PILLER

Writer/Executive Producer

Michael Piller served as Writer/Executive Producer of The Dead Zone, before passing away on November 1, 2005 at the age of 57.

We are deeply saddened by the death of our friend and colleague Michael Piller. He was a true visionary, peerless in his passion and his dedication to the highest standards of his profession. We will miss his warmth, sense of humor and kindness. Everyone at USA Network extends deepest condolences to Michael's family. Click here to read more about the life of Michael Piller and read Executive Producer Lloyd Segan's tribute to his cherished friend and colleague.

An Emmy award-winning journalist, Piller began his broadcasting career with CBS News in New York. He subsequently served as managing editor of the WBTV-TV News in Charlotte, North Carolina, and as assistant news director at WBBM-TV, the CBS affiliate in Chicago. His first position in entertainment television was as a censor in the CBS docudrama unit. Piller then spent two years as a programming executive before leaving CBS to write full-time.

Piller's credits as a writer-producer include the series Simon & Simon, Cagney & Lacey, Miami Vice, Probe, and Hard Time on Planet Earth. In addition, he co-created and executive produced the syndicated series Group One Medical.

Piller is best known to television viewers around the world as the executive producer/co-creator of more than 500 hours of Star Trek. In 1998, he wrote and co-produced Star Trek: Insurrection, the ninth installment in the enormously successful Star Trek feature film franchise for Paramount Pictures.

Previously, Piller served as executive producer & head writer on Star Trek: The Next Generation (1989-1994). He also co-created and executive produced Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1992-1999) and Star Trek: Voyager (1994-2001). During the 1994-95 television season, Piller also co-created and executive produced the UPN series Legend.

With Piller at the helm of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the show became the first syndicated series in the 1990's to receive an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Drama. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine continued the success of the franchise during its seven seasons on the air. Star Trek: Voyager concluded its successful seven-year run in 2001.